The aunt of former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (Independent-Democratic Party of Hawaii) was reportedly murdered by a Samoan poet and writer who was arrested last weekend and charged with murder.
Papalii Sia Figiel is charged with the murder of 78-year-old Caroline Sinaivaiana Gabbard, a retired professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Sinaivaiana Gabbard was reportedly beaten with a hammer and stabbed “multiple times,” according to Somoan Police Chief Auapaau Logoitino Filipo. Said Somoan Observer.
Sinaivaiana Gabbard is the sister of Hawaii Senator Mike Gabbard (Democrat), and was described as a “comrade” and “a brilliant writer.”
“Caroline was my best friend as a teenager,” her brother said. statement He added to Spectrum News that his sister was a big help during his “teenage rebellious phase.”
The Hawaii senator added that his sister “got him hooked on reading” and was such an influence that he followed in her footsteps and majored in English at Sonoma State University in California.
“She was a kindred spirit, a wonderful writer and supporter of writers,” said an anonymous friend. “She was a gentle, calm person.”
Figiel was initially reported to have been charged with manslaughter on Sunday, May 26, but the following day, police officers upgraded the charge to murder after more details emerged, Filipo explained to the outlet.
“In addition to a small knife which was used to inflict multiple stab wounds on the deceased, a hammer is also believed to have been used,” the police commissioner explained.
“We do not know the motive for the crime, but according to reports the incident occurred on Saturday when the suspect left the victim at his home while he went to Lotofaga to spend time with friends,” Filipo explained, adding that on Sunday Figiel admitted to his friends what he had done and reported the incident to the police.
New Zealand Herald report Figiel’s house also functions as a theater.
